Indirect control of content consumption in an appliance

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to control of consumption of content in an appliance. The content can include linear programming and non-linear assets. Such control can permit (i) changing a channel in the appliance (e.g., a CPE without upstream functionality) and thus selecting a linear-programming asset, a non-linear asset, and so forth, and (ii) controlling consumption of such assets. In one aspect, a device with upstream network connectivity can control the consumption of media in the appliance. The device can leverage data management and control functionality of a service provider network to acquire information related to assets available for consumption and to transmit asset requests to the service provider network, which can transmit content and signaling to the appliance in accordance at least in part with the asset request, thus controlling media consumption in the appliance.

BACKGROUND

A substantive segment of user devices deployed as part of communicationnetworks can consume digital media in downstream-only modalities, unableto deliver information upstream. While non-interactive consumption ofcontent in such devices generally is satisfactory, interactiveconsumption of content generally entails upstream delivery of customizedinformation. Consumption of rich digital services (pay-par-viewprogramming, video on demand, digital video recording, etc.) is,therefore, largely unavailable to such devices.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide indirect in-band control ofconsumption of content, such as media, in an appliance. The media cancomprise data, music, video, advertisement, service notifications, orthe like, and the appliance can be customer premises equipment (CPE),such as an electronic device that is part of a network (e.g., acommunication network, a home network, a utilities network, orcombinations thereof) having various levels of computationalcapabilities. In certain embodiments, the electronic device can be adisplay device without computing functionality that renders a previouslydecoded signal. In networks such as a broadband packet-switchednetworks, a cable/fiber optic network or a satellite-based network, theavailable media can comprise linear-programming assets or non-linearassets, such as per-per-view (PPV) assets or video-on-demand (VOD)assets. The indirect in-band control described herein can permitchanging a channel in the appliance (e.g., a device such as CPE withoutupstream functionality) and thus selecting a linear-programming asset, anon-linear asset, etc. Such control can permit regulating consumption ofthe linear programming asset or the non-linear asset. To implement thedisclosed control of consumption of content in an appliance, a deviceremote from the appliance, and having upstream network connectivity, canleverage data management and control functionality of a service providernetwork to acquire information related to assets (linear programming,non-linear assets, management assets, such control functions, etc.) madeavailable for consumption by the service provider. Based on the acquiredinformation, the device can transmit an asset request to the serviceprovider network which can process the asset request. In response, theservice provider network can transmit content and signaling to theappliance in accordance at least in part with the asset request, thuscontrolling media consumption in the appliance.

The disclosed indirect control of media consumption can be effected viain-band signaling. Such functionality can include messaging structurespecific to indirect control of a remote appliance, network resourceassessment, and selection of suitable pathways for delivery ofcontrolled media. In one aspect, the messaging structure of thedisclosure can comprise, for example, a broadcast message that, whenprocessed, can cause the appliance to tune to a desired channel (eithera linear-programming channel or a media-on-demand channel). In anotheraspect, the messaging structure of the disclosure can comprise controlmessages that, when processed, can regulate consumption (selection ofcontent, rendering modality, etc.) of content (e.g., media content) inthe appliance. Such control messages can be transmitted to the appliancein-band, in specific channels pathways, rather than broadcast in aservice group. Here, a channel pathway can comprise a virtual channel ora downstream frequency carrier in a channel plan (e.g., a predeterminednon-empty set of downstream frequencies available to a service group)associated with the appliance.

Some embodiments of the disclosure can provide several advantages. Oneexemplary advantage can include broadening the scope of digital servicesaccessed through a low-complexity low-cost CPE by exploitingfunctionality of a device with upstream connectivity to leverage datamanagement and control functionality of the network that is typicallyaccessed through CPE having more complex functionality. Other exemplaryadvantages include permitting a more fulfilling interactive userexperience, and increased quality of service. Affording rich digitalservices to such equipment can provide additional revenue opportunitiesfor a network operator.

Additional aspects or advantages of the subject disclosure will be setforth in part in the description which follows, and in part will beobvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of thesubject disclosure. The advantages of the disclosure can be realized andattained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointedout in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the subjectdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The annexed drawings are an integral part of the disclosure andillustrate exemplary embodiments thereof. Together with the descriptionset forth herein and claims appended hereto the annexed drawings serveto explain various principles, features, or aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment in accordance withone or more aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a network in accordancewith one or more aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a network node inaccordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a device in accordancewith one or more aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate exemplary methods according to one or more aspectsdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various aspects described herein can be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodimentsof the subject disclosure and to the annexed drawings and their previousand following description.

Before the present systems, articles, apparatuses, and methods aredisclosed and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure isnot limited to specific systems, articles, apparatuses, and methods forindirectly controlling media consumption at an appliance, such as a CPE.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

As utilized in this specification and the annexed drawings, the terms“system,” “component,” “unit,” “interface,” “platform,” “node,”“function,” “appliance,” “controller” and the like are intended toinclude a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operationalapparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein thecomputer-related entity or the entity related to the operationalapparatus can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. Such entities also arereferred to as “functional elements.” As an example, a unit can be, butis not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,an object (metadata object, data object, signaling object), anexecutable computer program, a thread of execution, a program, a memory(e.g., a hard-disc drive), and/or a computer. As another example, a unitcan be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanicalparts operated by electric or electronic circuitry which is operated bya software application or a firmware application executed by aprocessor, wherein the processor can be internal or external to theapparatus and can execute at least a portion of the software applicationor the firmware application. As yet another example, a unit can be anapparatus that provides specific functionality through electronicfunctional elements without mechanical parts, the electronic functionalelements can include a processor therein to execute software or firmwarethat provides, at least in part, the functionality of the electronicfunctional elements. The foregoing examples and related illustrationsare but a few examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition,while such illustrations are presented for a unit, the foregoingexamples also apply to a node, a function, a controller, a component, asystem, a platform, and the like. It is noted that in certainembodiments, or in connection with certain aspects or features suchembodiments, the terms “unit,” “component,” “system,” “interface,”“platform” “node,” “function,” “appliance,” “controller” can be utilizedinterchangeably.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise,” “include,” and “having” and their variations, such as“comprising” and “comprises,” “including” and “includes,” “having” and“has,” mean “including but not limited to,” and are not intended toexclude, for example, other units, nodes, components, functions,interfaces, actions, steps, or the like. “Exemplary” means “an exampleof” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or idealembodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but forexplanatory purposes.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiment(s) andrelated aspects of the subject disclosure, example(s) of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the sameor like parts.

As described in greater detail below, in one aspect, the disclosurerelates to indirect control, e.g., via in-band signaling, of consumptionof media in an appliance networked in a first network via a devicenetworked in a second network. The first network and the second networkcan be communication networks that employ wireless or wiredcommunication links, or both. The communication networks can include oneor more of wired networks such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, or mixednetworks, broadband packet-switched networks, utility networks, orwireless networks such as macrocellular networks (3GPP Long TermEvolution Networks, 4G, etc.), microcellular networks (e.g., Wi-Finetworks, femtocell networks, etc.), satellite-based networks, or anyother type of network. The content or media can include linearprogramming and non-linear assets. The indirect control described hereincan permit changing a channel in the appliance (e.g., one-way customerpremises equipment) and thus selecting different linear programming,selecting a non-linear asset, and controlling consumption of thenon-linear asset. In certain scenarios, the disclosed indirect in-bandcontrol can exploit functionality of a device with upstream connectivityto leverage data management and control functionality of a serviceprovider network. Such functionality can include messaging structurespecific to indirect control of a remote appliance, network resourceassessment, and selection of suitable pathways for delivery ofcontrolled media.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagramof an exemplary network environment in which indirect control of mediaconsumption in an appliance can be implemented in accordance with one ormore aspects of the subject disclosure. The exemplary networkenvironment 100 comprises a device 110 functionally coupled (e.g.,communicatively coupled via wired and/or wireless link) to a network A120 which can include wireless networks, wireline networks, and anycombination thereof. A data and signaling pipe 114 comprising anupstream link, or uplink (UL), and a downstream link, or downlink (DL),enables functional coupling among the device 110 and the network A 120.The data and signaling pipe 114 can comprise a wireless link or wirelinelink, or a combination thereof. Device 110 can be embodied in orcomprise most any CPE or user device (mobile or otherwise).

As illustrated, network A 120 is functionally coupled to a network B 130via a data and signaling pipe 124. Network B 130 can include wirelessnetworks, wireline networks, and any combination thereof. In one aspect,network B 130 can be administered (e.g., owned, operated, and/or leased)by a network operator that provides services such as digital televisioncontent, internet protocol (IP) video content; digital telephony; dataservices, such as wide-area network services (e.g., internet service) orhome network services (e.g., Wi-Fi access, femtocell access) and thelike. The data and signaling pipe 124 can comprise one or more of areference link, and related components; a conventional bus architecturesuch as address buses, system buses; a conventional wireline link, suchas an Ethernet line, a T-carrier line, a twisted-pair line, or the like;a wireless link, including terrestrial wireless links or satellite-basedlinks, or a combination thereof; and so forth.

Network A 120 and network B 130 can include one or more of wide areanetworks (WANs), one or more local area networks (LANs), signalingnetworks (e.g., SS#7), etc.), and so forth. Such networks can operate inaccordance with any communication protocol, such as protocols forwireline communication or wireless communication. In certainembodiments, network A 120 can have internal structure, with severalfunctional elements that can provide various operational blocks, such asa backbone network (e.g., a high-capacity packet-switched network), acore network platform, a radio access network, etc. Similarly, in suchembodiments, network B 130 also can have internal structure, withvarious functional elements that can provide at least two mainoperational blocks: a backbone network (e.g., a high-capacitypacket-switched network) and a regional access network (RAN). Both thebackbone network and the regional access network (RAN) can be WANs, forexample, with the backbone network having a larger geographical scopethan the RAN. Network A 120 and network B 130 also can include one ormore middleware components that, at least partly in conjunction withdata and signaling pipe 124, permit functional coupling among suchnetworks, among other functions.

As illustrated, network 130 can be functionally coupled to an appliance140 via data and signaling pipe which can comprise a downlink 134 fordownstream communication. The appliance 140 can be any device such ascustomer premises equipment, including an electronic device that is partof a network (e.g., a communication network, a home network, a utilitiesnetwork, or combinations thereof) and can have various levels ofcomputational capabilities. In certain embodiments, the electronicdevice can be a terminal display device without computing functionalitythat renders a previously decoded signal. For example, the appliance 140can be at least one of a terminal display device, a digital terminaladaptor (DTA), a set top box (STB), an IP-enabled television, a personalcomputer, and so forth. In one embodiment, DL 134 can transport data andsignaling in-band, without availability of an out-of-band channel forsignaling. In such embodiment or in an alternative embodiment, appliance140 can be a one-way device that cannot transmit upstream communicationsto network B 130.

Consumption of content (linear programming, non-linear assets, etc.) atappliance 140 can be controlled or supplemented through device 110. Inone aspect, device 110 can access network B 130 and leverage datamanagement functionality and control functionality provided by thenetwork B 130 and associated with a service (e.g., digital televisionservice) consumed by appliance 140. In one exemplary scenario related todigital television, device 110 can exchange data and signaling withnetwork B 130, via network A 120, as part of an asset discovery 116 inwhich device 110 can query networks 120 and/or 130, or an asset storagelocation, for an asset available for consumption, such as media content(music, video, advertisement, notifications (e.g., stock option quotes,location-based services, . . . ), etc.). Assets available forconsumption can include content assets and management assets. Here, acontent asset can be a linear-programming asset or a non-linear asset.Thus, a content asset of the disclosure can convey content such as mediathat is part of linear programming or non-linear programming, whereas amanagement asset provides control functionality that, in response toexecution, for example, by a processor, regulates consumption ofcontent. Such control functionality can include changing a channel,advancing content, rewinding content, terminating rendering of content,pausing content streamed live, recording content, and the like.Accordingly, the asset request 118 can comprise a request for a contentasset or a management asset.

In response to such query, for example, device 110 can receive dataindicative of a plurality of assets available for consumption of mediacontent. Access to such assets can permit, at least in part, device 110to select a specific asset for consumption. In one aspect, device 110can deliver an asset request 118 (or a message 118) to network B 130,wherein the asset request 118 can convey a command for consumption of anasset (rendering of a PPV program, pausing a live media streaming, achannel change, etc.) of the plurality of assets. Such command isreferred to herein as control request and can include request forcontent assets and management assets. As described herein, in response,the network 130 can transmit content 138 and/or signaling 136 to theappliance in accordance at least in part with the control request.

In another aspect, device 110 can transmit an asset request 118 that canconvey a command for synchronizing a channel pathway for communicationof data and/or signaling among the device 110 and the appliance 140.Such command is referred to herein as synchronization request. Thechannel pathway can comprise a virtual channel or a downstream frequencycarrier in a channel plan (e.g., a predetermined non-empty set ofdownstream frequencies available to a service group) associated with theappliance 140. In response to synchronization request, the network B 130can configure the virtual channel or the downstream frequency carrier asthe channel employed for communicating data and/or signaling from thedevice 110 to the appliance 140. In an exemplary implementation, bysynchronizing such channel pathway among the appliance 140 and thedevice 110, data or signaling, or both, can be transmitted in-band fromthe device 110 to the appliance 140, without reliance, for example, ontransmissions in all downstream frequencies of a service groupassociated with the device.

Device 110 can categorize (through use of metadata, for example) theasset request 118 according to at least two message types. As describedherein, categorization of the asset request 118 can permit network B130, or a component therein, to implement indirect control of mediaconsumption at appliance 140 efficiently. In one scenario, device 110can assign a first identifier (e.g., metadata) to an asset request 118that conveys a control request. The first identifier can convey that theasset request 118 is a control message. In another scenario, device 110can assign a second identifier (e.g., metadata) to an asset request 118that conveys a synchronization request. The second identifier can conveythat the asset request 118 is a synchronization message.

In one scenario, a command for consumption of an asset can include achannel change request. As described herein, network B 130 can conveysuch command to the appliance 140 as part of signaling 136. The channelchange request can include a request for a data stream associated withmedia content being consumed at the appliance 140, the requestcomprising, for example, a medium access control (MAC) address of theappliance, and at least one of a virtual channel or a frequency carrierin a channel plan that is part of the plurality of assets. In anotherscenario, a command for consumption of an asset can include aninstruction to control a data stream associated with media content beingconsumed at the appliance 140. The instruction can be at least one of afirst instruction to advance the media content associated with the datastream, a second instruction to rewind the media content associated withthe data stream, or a third instruction to terminate rendering, at theappliance 140, the media content associated with the data stream.

Device 110 can communicate with network A 120 or network B 130, or both,according to various packet-switching (PS) communication protocolssupported by one or more of such networks. For instance, the variouspacket-switching communication protocols can include one or more of anEthernet protocol format; an internet protocol (IP) format, such as IPv4and IPv6, or the like; or a user datagram protocol (UDP) format.Accordingly, in one aspect, device 110 can compose the asset request 118according to at least one of such protocols.

FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary embodiment 200 of anetwork in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure. Thenetwork is network 130 and the boundaries thereof are represented withdashed lines in FIG. 2, to more clearly identify various aspects of theexemplary embodiment 200. In the exemplary embodiment 200, network B 130comprises a core network platform 210 functionally coupled to adistribution platform 230 through a data and signaling pipe 228. Corenetwork 210 can have a packet-switched (PS) architecture and can serveas a border architecture that permits functional coupling to network A120. The core network 210 can include various network nodes which can bedistinguished according to the functionality thereof. As illustrated,the various network nodes can comprise one or more server(s) 214, one ormore gateway node(s) 218, and a network repository 224. Whileillustrated as a single entity, the network repository 224 can bedistributed in order to provide data resiliency and other datamanagement advantages. In addition, while core network platform 210 isillustrated as a single block, in one or more embodiment(s), suchplatform can be distributed, having a centralized deployment site and aplurality of distributed deployment sites. Functionality andarchitecture of the one or more server(s) 214, the one or more gatewaynode(s) 218, and the network repository 224 can be specific, yet notexclusive, to the particular embodiment of the core network 210. Forinstance, in an exemplary embodiment in which the core network is an IMSnetwork, network repository 224 can be a home subscriber server (HSS);server(s) 214 can comprise application server(s), and specific functioncontrol nodes (e.g., Call Session Control Functions (CSCFs), such asserving CSCF (S-CSCF) and interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)) and proxyservers; and gateway node(s) 218 can comprise a breakout gateway controlfunction (BGCF), a media gateway (MGW) and a signaling gateway (SGW),and media gateway control function (MGCF).

Network nodes, or network elements, in core network 210 can befunctionally coupled through a bus 226, which enables exchange ofinformation (e.g., data or signaling, or both) among server(s) 214,gateway node(s) 218, and network repository 224. Bus 226 can include aplurality of reference links (Cx, Cr, Dh, Dx, Gm, Ma, Mg, etc.), andrelated components, and conventional bus architectures such as addressbuses, system buses, and the like.

Distribution platform 230 can comprise one or more signal processingcomponent(s) (such as asset resource manager 234, asset control unit238, and asset source unit 242, and other components not shown) that canreceive and operate on an information stream, such as a data stream, asignaling stream, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, suchcomponent(s) can perform one or more operations on the informationstream, such encoding, modulation, multiplexing, up-conversion,combination, and the like. Architecture of distribution platform 230 canbe specific to the implemented modality exploited for transmission ofthe information stream. Such modality can include wired delivery orwireless delivery, and specific protocols for transmission ofinformation such as packet-switched communication, circuit-switchedcommunication, or the like. In one embodiment, at least one of suchsignal processing component(s) can embody a termination system (TS),such as, in one type of network, a cable modem termination system(CMTS). In another embodiment, at least one of the one or more signalprocessing components of distribution platform 230 can embody a networkrouter or a network switch (e.g., a digital subscriber line accessmultiplexer (DSLAM)) for transmission of information streams based on aPS communication protocol, such as internet protocol (IP) (e.g., IPv4 orIPv6). As illustrated, the distribution platform 230 can comprise agroup of one or more originating node(s) 246 that can transmit theinformation stream. In certain embodiments, each originating node of thegroup of one or more originating node(s) 246 can embody an edgequadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) node. In other embodiments, eachedge originating node of the group of one or more originating node(s)246 can embody a device that consolidates the functionality of atermination system (e.g., a CMTS) and an edge QAM node. In otherembodiments, each originating node of the group of one or moreoriginating node(s) 246 can embody a network router (e.g., a broadbandremote access server (BRAS)) or network switch (e.g., a DSLAM) fortransmission of information streams based on a PS communication protocol(e.g., internet protocol). While illustrated as a single block, in oneor more embodiment(s), distribution platform 230 can be distributed,having a centralized deployment site (or plant) and a plurality of hubsites (also referred to as sites). In such embodiment(s), each one ofthe hub sites can comprise an edge originating node of the group of oneor more edge originating node(s) 246.

Distribution platform 230 can receive data (data flows, audio signals,video signals, any combinations thereof, etc.) and signaling (controlinstructions, clock signals, etc.) from a functional element that is,for example, part of core network platform 210 or that is functionallycoupled thereto. In one scenario, the functional element can be a serverthat supplies a combination of audio signal and video signal, such as anaudiovisual signal comprising a video asset. The server can be, forexample, a content server for pay-per-view programming orvideo-on-demand assets, an application server, a data server, atelephony server, a backbone network router, or the like. In suchscenario, based on the formatting of the audiovisual signal, one or moresignal processing component(s) (not shown) in the distribution platform230 can process (encode, encrypt, modulate, multiplex, up-convert,combine) the audiovisual signal and supply a resulting audiovisualsignal to an edge originating node of the group of one or moreoriginating node(s) 246. An originating node can transmit a plurality ofP (a natural number) data streams, conveying at least a portion of theaudiovisual signal. It should be appreciated that in certainembodiments, the edge originating node can operate on the audiovisualsignal without reliance on such one or more signal processingcomponent(s). In another scenario, a source node (e.g., a satellitetransceiver coupled to an asset source) coupled to the distributionplatform 230 can generate an audiovisual signal, which can be processedby one or more processing component(s) and supplied to an edgeoriginating node of the one or more originating node(s) 246. Such edgeoriginating node can transmit a plurality of P data streams conveying atleast a portion of the audiovisual signal.

A gateway node of the one or more gateway node(s) 218 can receive theasset request 118 and relay it to an asset resource manager 234 (e.g., asession resource manager (SRM) server) that is part of the distributionplatform 230. In another implementation, a server (e.g., a proxy server)of the one or more server(s) 214 can receive the asset request 118 andrelay it to the asset resource manager 234. As described herein, theasset request 118 can be a message that conveys a request for a firstdata stream associated with media content. In one aspect, the requestcan comprise one or more of at least one logical address (e.g., a mediumaccess control (MAC) address, or an internet protocol (IP) address)associated with the appliance 140, or at least one of a virtual channelor a frequency carrier in a channel plan available for delivery of themedia content. The logical address can be a unique address or anon-unique address, such as an address corresponding to a group ofaddresses. In another aspect, the asset request 118 can be a controlmessage comprising an instruction to control a data stream (e.g., amulti-program transport stream (MPTS)) associated with a non-linearmedia asset (or, more generally, media content) wherein the instructioncan be at least one of a first instruction to render the data stream, asecond instruction to advance rendering of media content (e.g., afast-forward instruction) related to the data stream; a thirdinstruction to retreat the rendering of media content (e.g., a rewindinstruction) related to the data stream; or a fourth instruction toterminate rendering the media content (e.g., a stop instruction) relatedto the data stream.

The asset resource manager unit 234 (also referred to as asset resourcemanager 234) can receive at least one message for one or more appliances(e.g., appliance 140), and can supply the at least one message to theone or more appliances. In one scenario, the at least one message cancomprise a plurality of asset requests received from respective devicesthat are configured to indirectly control consumption of media throughan appliance. As described herein, each message of the at least onemessage can convey a command for consuming media content through anappliance (e.g., appliance 140) of the one or more appliances. For amessage that is a control message, in one implementation, the assetresource manager 234 can substantially continuously or semi-continuouslysupply (e.g., process and transmit) the control message to the appliance(e.g., the appliance 140) while a delivery criteria is fulfilled and, inresponse, the appliance can perform a specific action such as renderingindicia indicative of the control message. To at least such end, theasset resource manager 234 can retain a replica of the control messagein a memory that is part of or functionally coupled to the assetresource manager 234. Such replica can be retained while a deliverycriterion is fulfilled. The substantially continuous or semi-continuoustransmission of the control message can be effected in-band. As anillustration, the control message can be an instruction to fast forwarda video asset being rendered in a display device functionally coupled toa set-top box (e.g., appliance 140). In such case, the asset resourcemanager 234 can substantially continuously deliver the fast forwardinstruction (conveyed as part of signaling 136, for example) to theset-top box until normal rendering of the video asset is resumed (whichcan be an example of a delivery criterion). In response to receiving thefast-forward instruction substantially continuously, the set-top box cancause the display device to render indicia (e.g., a logo) indicative ofthe rendering of the video asset being advanced. In certain embodiments,such indicia can be received as part of content 138. In one embodiment,e.g., exemplary embodiment 300 illustrated in FIG. 3, the asset resourcemanager 234 can include an interface component 304 to receive an assetrequest 118, and to supply content 138 or signaling 136 to the appliance140 (which, as illustrated above, can be a set-top box) in response tothe asset request 118.

As described herein, the appliance 140 can receive in-band signalingwithout an out-of-band (OOB) channel. Accordingly, a plurality of assetrequests can be transmitted through available downstream frequencycarriers available for delivery of data. In addition, the varioustransport streams (e.g., SPTSs, MPSTs) that can be consumed throughdeployed appliances (e.g., appliance 140) can have different amounts ofavailable bandwidth overhead. Thus, in one aspect, prior to transmissionof an asset request (e.g., asset request 118) to an appliance, the assetresource manager 234 can determine an amount of network resources (e.g.,bandwidth) available for delivery of an asset request (e.g., a controlmessage, a synchronization message). In one aspect, the asset resourcemanager 234 can assign a first priority to an asset request that is acontrol message, and a second priority to an asset request that is asynchronization message. In certain implementations, the first prioritycan be higher than the second priority, since a synchronization messagecan be delivered at a lesser rate than control messages (e.g., channelchange requests). The synchronization message can be delivered at thelesser rate in view that, for example, the synchronization message isutilized once per viewing session and is transmitted to all downstreamfrequency channels in a service group associated with the appliance(e.g., appliance 140). Thus, communication of the synchronizationmessage can consume a substantive amount of available bandwidth.

Based at least on the amount of such resources, the asset resourcemanager 234 can supply (e.g., process and transmit) the asset request.To at least such end, in one implementation, the asset resource manager234 can combine the asset request (which can be referred to as amessage) with other asset request(s). The extent of the combination ofthe asset request with the other asset request(s) can be established bythe amount of network resources. In one aspect, the asset request can becombined with other asset requests according to categories. For example,when the asset request is a control message requesting a channel changeto a specific channel, the control message can be combined with anotherasset request that is a channel request directed to the specificchannel. In another aspect, the asset request can be combined with otherasset request(s) according to the addresses of the appliances that areintended to receive the combined asset requests. For example, when theasset request is a control message requesting a specific programming,the asset request can be combined with other asset request(s) requestingsuch specific programming for other appliance(s). Thus, the combinedasset request can be composed according to the addresses of thecontrolled appliances. Combining asset requests according to addressescan increase efficiency of message delivery, particularly, yet notexclusively, for unique addresses, since a substantive portion of theunique addresses address associated with the appliances being controlledare likely to be similar. In yet another aspect, the asset request canbe combined with other unrelated asset request(s) to adjust to a minimumpacket size (e.g., an MPEG packet size) and thus mitigate or avoidhaving data packet(s) padded with null bits. In addition or in thealternative, based on the amount of network resources (e.g., spectralbandwidth), the asset resource manager 234 or a functional elementcoupled thereto, such as an originating node of the one or moreoriginative node(s) 246, can operate on at least one transport streambeing distributed by the distribution platform 230 in order to increasethe available network resources.

In certain embodiments, such as exemplary embodiment 300, asset resourcemanager 234 can comprise an assessment component 308 to evaluate thenetwork resources available for transmission of a plurality of assetrequests, and a messaging generator unit 312 (also referred to asmessaging generator 312) to supply at least one asset request. Incertain implementations, the assessment component 308 can operate on oneor more transport streams to increase network resources (e.g., availablebandwidth) for delivery of asset request(s).

In scenarios in which device 110 is intended to control consumption of atransport stream conveying a non-linear asset, such transport stream cangenerally be transmitted in a specific service group (e.g., a portion ofdownstream spectrum comprising one or more narrowcast channels)associated with the appliance 140. Distribution platform 230 cancomprise an asset control unit 238 that can discover a service groupassociated with the appliance and deliver an asset request (e.g., acontrol message or a synchronization message) to the appliance. Inaddition or in the alternative, for asset requests (e.g., a controlmessage) that select a specific non-linear asset (e.g.,media-on-demand), the asset control unit 238 can determine a suitableformat (e.g., video compression, video resolution, or the like) fortransmission of the non-linear asset (or, more generally, dataindicative of such asset) based on functional capability (computingpower, processor clock, etc.) of the appliance 140. For example, in oneaspect, asset control unit 238 can transmit signaling indicative of thesuitable format to an asset source unit 242, which can provision anddeliver the non-linear asset in such format. As an example, for anappliance 140 that is a digital terminal adaptor, the asset control unit238 can establish that delivery of a non-linear asset be effectedthrough a first delivery pathway comprising an originating node (e.g.,an edge QAM) whereas for an appliance that is a computing device withsuitable resources, the asset control unit 238 can determine thatdelivery of the non-linear asset be effected through a second deliverypath comprising an originating node that can be a termination system,such as a cable modem termination system. Other implementations arecontemplated in which the first pathway can comprise a first networkrouter or network switch for PS communication, and the second pathwaycan comprise a second network router or network switch for PScommunication. The first pathway and the second pathway both includedata and signaling pipe 248, various functional elements of transportnetwork 250 (e.g., an HFC network, a broadband network such as a digitalsubscriber line (DSL) network, or the like) and data and signaling pipe254.

The transport network 250 can be a WAN that can be embodied in awireless network, a wireline network, or a combination thereof, andsupplies data service(s), such as television programming, video ondemand, Internet service, packet-switched data or telephony, to a userlocation which can be stationary (e.g., a location of a CPE) or mobile(e.g., a location of mobile device). In certain implementations,transport network 250 can be embodied in an optic fiber network, acoaxial cable network, a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network, or awireless network comprising terrestrial wireless links and deep-spacelinks (e.g., satellite links), or any combination thereof. As anillustration, in an embodiment in which the transport network 250 is anHFC network, data pipe and signaling 248 can comprise several opticfiber links and associated optical functional elements, such asdownstream lasers, light amplifiers, last-mile fiber aggregator node,and the like. In addition, in such embodiment, transport network 250 cancomprise various RF amplifiers and coaxial taps to respective dwellings(e.g., a stationary user location) wherein customer premises equipment(CPE), such as appliance 140, can consume a data service providedthrough distribution platform 230. In such embodiment, the CPE can befunctionally coupled to a cable modem or other device that serves as thenetwork gateway to the dwelling network from the transport network 250.As another illustration, in an embodiment in which the transport network250 is a wired broadband PS network, data pipe and signaling 248 cancomprise Ethernet links, and can include network routers such as BRASsand network switches, such as DSLAMs. The network switches can befunctionally coupled to home gateways (e.g., DSL modems) in dwellings inwhich CPE (e.g., appliance 140) consume data services provided throughdistribution platform 230.

In certain embodiments, transmission of a channel change request can bemitigated or avoided. For example, for users who desire to control theirappliances (e.g., a one-way box) with an internet-based device through aswitched digital video (SDV) QAM node or a network router or networkswitch for PS protocol (e.g., IP) communication (both of which can bepart of, for example, the one or more originating node(s) 246), channelchange requests can be mitigated or avoided for linear-programmingchannels. Accordingly, in such scenario, insertion of discrete channelchange requests into QAM downstream channels or downstream channels forPS communication can be prevented or avoided. Reducing insertion ofdiscrete channel requests into QAM downstream channels or downstreamchannels for PS communication can be advantageous in embodiments inwhich an amount of available network resources (bandwidth, bitrate,etc.) overhead cannot be controlled through a component, such as assetresource manager 234, that operates on transport streams in order toincrease such overhead.

The indirect control of an appliance (e.g., appliance 140), via, forexample, the SDV QAM node or a network router or a network switch for PSprotocol communication, can be more efficiently implemented in scenarioshaving a small population of users per originating node. In one aspect,a re-pair channel change message can be transmitted on most all QAM orIP downstream channels or downstream channels for PS communication atleast once indicating an appliance (e.g., a DTA coupled to a televisionset) to access, for example, a specific SDV QAM node or a specificnetwork router or a specific network switch for PS protocolcommunication for media content consumption. Here, the re-pair channelchange message can configure, for example, a pair of the form (SDV QAMnode, program number) or (IP switch, program number), wherein theprogram number is associated with the linear channel that transportsmedia content. As indicated previously, the specific SDV QAM node orspecific network router or specific network switch for PS protocolcommunication can, for example, be part of distribution platform 230. Inresponse to transmitting (e.g., broadcasting) such re-pair channelchange message, the distribution platform 230 (e.g., a local headend orhub) can control, via asset resource manager 234, for example, theamount of network resources overhead that is available. Such overheadcan be associated with the small number of user devices (e.g., appliance140) that can consume (e.g., receive) content through, for example, thespecific SDV QAM node or the specific network router or the specificnetwork switch for PS protocol communication.

In a scenario in which a user is watching a first linear channelthrough, e.g., a specific SDV QAM node, and a second linear channel theuser desires to watch is not being transmitted (e.g., broadcast) on anySDV QAM node at an SDV system (not shown), transmission of a channelchange request still can be avoided. Here, the first linear channel canhave a specific program number associated therewith, and watching alinear channel refers to consuming media content, such as linearprogramming content, being transported (or transmitted) in the linearchannel. The SDV system, which can, for example, be part of distributionplatform 230, can change the linear program (e.g., linear media content)being transmitted on the specific pair (SDV QAM node, program number),causing the appliance, such as a DTA coupled to a television set, torender the desired linear program associated with the second linearchannel the user desires to watch. In one aspect, such change amonglinear programs can result in a substantially instantaneous channelchange. In another aspect, in an implementation in which, for example,the SDV system (not shown) has memory storage (e.g., a buffer) availablefor the SDV channel associated with an SDV QAM node, delivery of linearprogramming through, e.g., the SDV QAM node can be provided with livebuffer support, which may not be supported by a one-way appliance suchas a DTA. In an additional or alternative scenario in which the firstlinear channel is consumed through, for example, a specific networkrouter or a network switch for communication, and the second linearchannel is not transmitted on any network router or network node in alocal distribution hub associated with such node or router, transmissionof a channel change request to switch to the second channel can beavoided in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore. Inone aspect, the local distribution hub, or a suitable content deliverysystem therein, can change the linear program being transmitted in thespecific network router or specific network switch), causing theappliance, such as a DTA coupled to a television set, to render thedesired linear program associated with the second linear channel theuser desires to watch. Such system can, for example, support livebuffering through memory, or more generally computer-readable media,available to the specific network router or specific network switch.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment 400 of an assetmanager 410 that enables indirect control of media consumption at anappliance in accordance with one or more aspects of the subjectdisclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, asset resource manager 410comprises one or more input/output (I/O) interface(s), one or moreprocessor(s) 408, a memory 416, and a bus 412 that functionally couplesvarious system components including the one or more processor(s) 408 tothe memory 416. In the case of multiple processors comprising the groupof processors 408, the asset resource manager 410 can exploit concurrentcomputing.

The functionality of asset resource manager 410 can be configured by agroup of computer-executable instructions (e.g., programming codeinstructions or programming modules) that can be executed by a processorof the one or more processor(s) 408. Generally, programming modules cancomprise computer code, routines, objects, components, data structures(e.g., metadata objects, data object, control objects), and so forththat can be configured (e.g., coded or programmed) to perform aparticular action or implement particular abstract data types inresponse to execution by the processor.

Any number of programming code instructions or program modules can beretained in memory 416. Data and computer-accessible instructions, e.g.,computer-readable and computer-executable instructions related to assetadministration, as described herein, can be retained in memory 416. Inone aspect, a memory element which is represented as the assetadministration data 420, can comprise a variety of data and metadatarelated to indirect control of media consumption in an appliance (e.g.,appliance 140) in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. In anotheraspect, one or more asset administration instruction(s) can be retainedin memory 416 as a memory element which is represented as the blockasset administration instruction(s) 418. In the subject specificationand annexed drawings, memory elements are illustrated as discreteblocks, however, such memory elements and related computer-executableinstructions and data can reside at various times in different storageelements (registers, files, memory addresses, etc.; not shown) in memory416. In yet another aspect, asset administration instruction(s) 418 arestored as an implementation (e.g., a compiled instance) of one or morecomputer-executable instructions that implement and thus provide atleast the functionality of the methods described herein. Assetadministration instruction(s) 418 also can be transmitted across someform of computer readable media.

Memory 416 can be embodied in a variety of computer-readable media.Exemplary computer-readable media can be any available media that isaccessible by a processor in a computing device, such as one of the oneor more processor(s) 408 in the asset resource manager 410, andcomprises, for example, both volatile and non-volatile media, removableand non-removable media. As an example, computer-readable media cancomprise “computer storage media,” or “computer-readable storage media,”and “communications media.” Such storage media can be non-transitorystorage media. In the subject specification and annexed drawings,“computer storage media” can comprise volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any methods ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Exemplarycomputer storage media comprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by a computer or a processor therein orfunctionally coupled thereto.

In one aspect, memory 416 can comprise computer-readable media in theform of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). In one aspect,memory 416 can be partitioned into a system memory (not shown) that cancontain data and/or programming modules that enable essential operationand control of asset resource manager 410. Such program modules can beimplemented (e.g., compiled and stored) in memory element 422, referredto as operating system (OS) instruction(s), whereas such data can besystem data that is retained in memory element 424, referred to assystem data. The OS instruction(s) 422 and system data 424 can beimmediately accessible to and/or are presently operated on by at leastone processor of the one or more processor(s) 408. Operating system 422can comprise OSs such as Windows operating system, Unix, Linux, iOS andsubstantially any operating system for tethered computing devices. Inanother aspect, memory 416 can comprise other removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer non-transitory storage media. By way ofexample, memory 416 can include a mass storage unit (not shown) whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputing device 410. As an example, the mass storage unit (not shown)can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk,magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memorycards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage,random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the indirect control of mediaconsumption at an appliance effected in the disclosed systems andmethods can be performed in response to execution of software components(e.g., one or more implementations of asset administrationinstruction(s) 418) by a processor or computing device. In particular,yet not exclusively, to provide specific functionality of network node410, a processor of the one or more processor(s) 408 in network node 410can execute at least a portion of asset administration instruction(s)418, consuming asset administration data 420 in accordance with aspectsof the subject innovation.

In general, a processor of the one or more processor(s) 408 refers toany computing processing unit or processing device comprising asingle-core processor, a single-core processor with software multithreadexecution capability, multi-core processors, multi-core processors withsoftware multithread execution capability, multi-core processors withhardware multithread technology, parallel platforms, and parallelplatforms with distributed shared memory (e.g., a cache). In addition orin the alternative, a processor of the one or more processor(s) 408 canrefer to an integrated circuit with dedicated functionality, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. In one aspect, processorsreferred to herein can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, inorder to optimize space usage or enhance performance of the computingdevices that can implement the various aspects of the subjectdisclosure. In another aspect, the one or more processor(s) 408 can beimplemented as a combination of computing processing units.

The one or more input/output (I/O) interface(s) 404 can functionallycouple (e.g., communicatively couple) asset resource manager 410 toanother functional element of distribution platform 230 describedherein.

In certain embodiments, the one or more I/O interface(s) 404 can includeat least one port that can permit connection of the asset resourcemanager 410 to peripheral devices, network adaptors such as thosepresent in reference links, and other network nodes. In one aspect, theat least one port can include one or more of a parallel port (e.g.,GPIB, IEEE-1284), a serial port (e.g., RS-232, universal serial bus(USB), FireWire or IEEE-1394), an Ethernet port, a V.35 port, or thelike.

At least one I/O interface of the one or more I/O interface(s) 404 canenable delivery of output (e.g., output data, output signaling) toanother network node (either intra-network node or inter-network node)or a peripheral device. Such output can represent an outcome, or result,of implementation of a method described herein or action that is part ofsuch method. In another aspect, such output can be any representation(textual, graphical, aural, etc.) of data or signaling resulting fromimplementation (e.g., execution) of the methods (or processes) forindirectly controlling media consumption at a remote appliance inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure.

Bus 412 represents one or more of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. As an example, such architectures cancomprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video ElectronicsStandards Association (VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port(AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Expressbus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA),Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 500 of a device for indirectcontrol of media consumption at appliance in accordance with aspects ofthe subject disclosure. The device 510 can embody device 110 describedherein. In the illustrated embodiment, device 510 comprises one or moreinput/output (I/O) interface(s), one or more processor(s) 508, a memory516, and a bus 512 that functionally couples various system componentsincluding the one or more processor(s) 508 to the memory 516. In thecase of multiple processors comprising the group of processors 508, thedevice 510 can exploit concurrent computing.

The functionality of the device 510 can be configured by a group ofcomputer-executable instructions (e.g., programming code instructions orprogramming modules) that can be executed by a processor of the one ormore processor(s) 508. Generally, programming modules can comprisecomputer code, routines, objects, components, data structures (e.g.,metadata objects, data object, control objects), and so forth, that canbe configured (e.g., coded or programmed) to perform a particular actionor implement particular abstract data types in response to execution bythe processor.

Any number of programming code instructions or program modules can beretained in memory 516. Data and computer-accessible instructions, e.g.,computer-readable and computer-executable instructions, related to assetadministration as described herein can be retained in memory 516. In oneaspect, a memory element which is represented as the assetadministration data 520, can comprise a variety of data and metadatarelated to indirect control of media consumption in an appliance (e.g.,appliance 140) in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. In anotheraspect, one or more asset administration instruction(s) can be retainedin memory 516 as a memory element which is represented as the blockasset administration instruction(s) 518. In the subject specificationand annexed drawings, memory elements are illustrated as discreteblocks, however, such memory elements and related computer-executableinstructions and data can reside at various times in different storageelements (registers, files, memory addresses, etc.; not shown) in memory516. In yet another aspect, asset administration instruction(s) 518 arestored as an implementation (e.g., a compiled instance) of one or morecomputer-executable instructions that implement and thus provide atleast the functionality of the methods described herein. Assetadministration instruction(s) 518 also can be transmitted across someform of computer readable media.

Memory 516 can be embodied in a variety of computer-readable media.Exemplary computer-readable media can be any available media that isaccessible by a processor in a computing device, such as one of the oneor more processor(s) 508 in the device 510, and comprises, for example,both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.As an example, computer-readable media can comprise “computer storagemedia,” or “computer-readable storage media,” and “communications media”in accordance with features described herein. Such storage media can benon-transitory storage media.

In one aspect, memory 516 can comprise computer-readable media in theform of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). In one aspect,memory 516 can be partitioned into a system memory (not shown) that cancontain data and/or programming modules that enable essential operationand control of device 510. As described herein, such program modules canbe implemented (e.g., compiled and stored) in memory element 522,referred to as operating system (OS) instruction(s), whereas such datacan be system data that is retained in memory element 524, referred toas system data. The OS instruction(s) 522 and system data 524 can beimmediately accessible to and/or are presently operated on by at leastone processor of the one or more processor(s) 508. Operating system 522can comprise OSs such as Windows operating system, Unix, Linux, iOS andsubstantially any operating system for wireless or tethered computingdevices. In another aspect, memory 516 can comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer non-transitorystorage media. By way of example, memory 516 can include a mass storageunit (not shown) which can provide non-volatile storage of computercode, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,and other data for the device 510. As an example, the mass storage unit(not shown) can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removableoptical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices,flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the indirect control of mediaconsumption at an appliance effected in the disclosed systems andmethods can be performed in response to execution of software components(e.g., one or more implementations of asset administrationinstruction(s) 518) by a processor or computing device. In particular,yet not exclusively, to provide specific functionality of device 510, aprocessor of the one or more processor(s) 508 in device 510 can executeat least a portion of asset administration instruction(s) 518, consumingasset administration data 520 in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

In general, a processor of the one or more processor(s) 508 refers toany computing processing unit or processing device comprising asingle-core processor, a single-core processor with software multithreadexecution capability, multi-core processors, multi-core processors withsoftware multithread execution capability, multi-core processors withhardware multithread technology, parallel platforms, and parallelplatforms with distributed shared memory (e.g., a cache). In addition orin the alternative, a processor of the one or more processor(s) 508 canrefer to an integrated circuit with dedicated functionality, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. In one aspect, processorsreferred to herein can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, inorder to optimize space usage or enhance performance of the computingdevices that can implement the various aspects of the subjectdisclosure. In another aspect, the one or more processor(s) 508 can beimplemented as a combination of computing processing units.

The one or more input/output (I/O) interface(s) 504 can functionallycouple (e.g., communicatively couple) device 510 to another functionalelement of network A 120 described herein, and thereby functionallycouple the device 510 to the distribution platform 230 via the corenetwork platform 210.

In certain embodiments, the one or more I/O interface(s) 504 can includeat least one port that can permit connection of the device 510 toperipheral devices, network adaptors such as those present in referencelinks, and other network nodes. In one aspect, the at least one port caninclude one or more of a parallel port (e.g., GPIB, IEEE-1284), a serialport (e.g., RS-232, universal serial bus (USB), FireWire or IEEE-1394),an Ethernet port, a V.35 port, or the like.

At least one I/O interface of the one or more I/O interface(s) 504 canenable delivery of output (e.g., output data, output signaling) toanother computing device or a peripheral device. Such output canrepresent an outcome, or result, of a method or action performed at thedevice 510. In one aspect, the output can comprise at least one messagerelated to routing an emergency call under a fault condition at anemergency services network. In another aspect, such output can be anyrepresentation (textual, graphical, aural, etc.) of data or signalingresulting from implementation (e.g., execution) of the methods (orprocesses) for controlling consumption of media at an appliance (e.g.,appliance 140) that is remote to the device 510. A representation ofsuch data and signaling can be determined, at least in part, by aspecific end-user interface employed controlling consumption of media atthe appliance.

Bus 512 represents one or more of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. As an example, and similarly, yet notidentically, to bus 412, such architectures can comprise an IndustryStandard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus,an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association(VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) bus, and aPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Express bus, a PersonalComputer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus(USB) and the like.

In view of the various aspects of indirect control of media consumptionat an appliance described herein, exemplary methods that can beimplemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can bebetter appreciated with reference to the exemplary flowcharts in FIGS.6-8. For simplicity of explanation, the exemplary methods disclosedherein are presented and described as a series of actions (also referredto as steps), pictorially represented with a block or as a delivered orreceived message in a call flow. However, it is to be understood andappreciated that implementation, and related advantages, of such methodsis not limited by the order of actions, as some actions may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other actions from that shownand described herein. For example, the various methods (also referred toas processes) of the subject disclosure can alternatively be representedas a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a statediagram.

The methods disclosed throughout the subject specification can be storedon an article of manufacture, such as a computer-readable storagemedium, to facilitate transporting and transferring such methods tocomputing devices (e.g., desktop computers, mobile computers, mobiletelephones, and the like) for execution, and thus implementation, by aprocessor or for storage in a memory.

FIGS. 6-7 are flowcharts of exemplary methods 600 and 700 for indirectlycontrolling media consumption in an appliance according to aspectsdescribed herein. The appliance can be a device such as CPE deployed aspart of a communication network. In one or more embodiments, asdescribed herein, the appliance (e.g., appliance 140) can be a terminaldisplay networked in a communication network that provides a service,such as PPV programming, VOD, digital telephony, or the like. In oneaspect, such terminal display can be functionally coupled to a digitalterminal adaptor (DTA). In some embodiments, a device (e.g., device 110)remote from the appliance can perform (e.g., execute) the exemplarymethods 600 and 700. For example, a processor of the device (e.g.,device 110) or functionally coupled thereto can executecomputer-executable instructions that represent such methods.

At block 610, data indicative of a plurality of assets available forconsumption of media content can be acquired, e.g., retrieved orreceived. In a lookup scenario, the data can be received in response toa query (or a request) for availability of such assets. In one aspect,the plurality of assets comprises at least one content asset and atleast one management asset. At block 620, a first message conveying acommand for consuming an asset of the plurality of assets through anappliance is transmitted. In one aspect, transmitting the first messagecan comprise adding a first identifier (e.g., first metadata) to thefirst message, the first identifier indicating the first message is acontrol message. In another aspect, the first message can convey arequest for a first data stream (e.g., a first MPEG transport stream,either a multi-program TS (MPTS) or a single-program TS (SPTS))associated with the media content, where the request can comprise one ormore of (i) a logical address (e.g., a medium access control (MAC)address, or an IP address) of the appliance and (ii) at least one of avirtual channel or a frequency carrier (e.g., in a channel plan). Asdescribed herein, the logical address can be a unique address or anon-unique address, such as an address corresponding to a group ofaddresses. The frequency carrier in the channel plan can be identifiedby a specific name within the request. In yet another aspect, the firstmessage can convey an instruction to control a second data stream (e.g.,a second MPEG transport stream, either an MPTS or a SPTS) associatedwith the media content. In one scenario, the instruction can be a firstinstruction to advance the video content related to the second datastream. In another scenario, the instruction can be a second instructionto rewind or fast forward (e.g., using trick files) the video contentrelated to the second data stream. In yet another scenario, theinstruction can be a third instruction to terminate rendering the mediacontent (e.g., video content, audio content) related to the second datastream. In other scenarios, the instruction can be a combination of twoor more of the first instruction, the second instruction, and the thirdinstruction.

At block 630, a second message conveying a command for synchronizing achannel pathway for communication of data and/or signaling among theappliance and a device can be transmitted. As described herein, thechannel pathway can comprise a virtual channel or a downstream frequencycarrier in a channel plan (e.g., a predetermined non-empty set ofdownstream frequencies available to a service group) associated with theappliance (e.g., device 140). In one aspect, transmitting the secondmessage can comprise adding a second identifier (e.g., second metadata)to the second message, the second identifier indicating the secondmessage is a synchronization message.

As described herein, the order in which blocks 610 through 630 areimplemented (e.g., executed) can be different from the order illustratedin FIG. 6. For example, in one scenario, the device (e.g., device 110)that can implement the exemplary method 600 can perform block 630 priorto performing block 620, thus causing the appliance to be synchronizedto the device prior to such appliance receiving a command (e.g., achannel change request) to consume an asset (e.g., a PPV asset, or a VODasset).

Regarding exemplary method 700, at block 710, a first message conveyinga command for synchronizing a channel pathway for communication of dataand/or signaling among the appliance and a device can be transmitted.The first channel configuration can be a first virtual channel or afirst frequency carrier in a channel plan (e.g., a predetermined set ofdownstream frequencies available to a service group) associated with theappliance (e.g., appliance 140). As described herein, in an exemplaryimplementation, by synchronizing such channel pathway among theappliance and the device, data or signaling, or both, can be transmittedin-band from the device to the appliance, without reliance, for example,on transmissions in all downstream frequencies of a service groupassociated with the device. At block 720, a second message conveying acommand for switching the appliance to a specific channel configurationcan be transmitted. In view of the synchronizing step, such command canbe transmitted, for example, in-band via the channel pathway as opposedto OOB or via broadcasting mode. The specific channel configuration canbe a virtual channel or a frequency carrier in a channel plan (e.g., apredetermined set of downstream frequencies available to a servicegroup) associated with the appliance.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 for controlling mediaconsumption in an appliance (e.g., CPE) according to aspects describedherein. In one aspect, the subject exemplary method 800 can beimplemented (e.g., executed) by a network node (e.g., asset resourcemanager 234) that is part of a media-on-demand domain of a distributionplatform (e.g., distribution platform 230) of a network provider thatsupplies digital service(s) comprising a variety of media assets forconsumption by user device.

At block 810, a message conveying a command for consuming media contentthrough an appliance is received. At block 820, an amount of networkresources available for delivery of the message is determined. In oneaspect, the amount of network resources can comprise an amount ofbandwidth overhead available or allocated to a transport streamassociated with a downstream frequency carrier. In another aspect, theamount of network resources can comprise a network load of messagesconveying respective commands for consuming media content. In certainembodiments, the exemplary method 800 can include processing block thatcan comprise adjusting the amount of network resources in response to anoutcome of the block 820. For instance, such adjusting action cancomprise modifying encoding or compression, or both, of a plurality oftransport streams being transmitted in downstream frequency channel(s).At block 830, a delivery priority is assigned to the message based atleast on the amount network resources. In addition or in thealternative, the delivery priority can be assigned based on increasingnetwork operation performance, such as reducing or minimizing totallatency amongst transmitted packets. For example, since it generallytakes longer to tune high-definition (HD) channels thanstandard-definition (SD) channels typically due to longer time between Iframes, when the message is a channel change request to an HD channel(or an HD tune request), the message can be assigned higher prioritythan a SD tune request. Similarly, yet not identically, a channel changerequest to a service (e.g., linear programming) in the same frequencycan take less time than channel change request to a service in adifferent frequency. Accordingly, when the message is a channel changerequest to a different frequency, the message can be assigned a higherpriority than a channel change request within the same frequency. Atblock 840, the message is supplied to the appliance based at least onthe amount of network resources and the delivery priority. As describedherein, in certain scenarios the message can be supplied as part ofin-band signals. Supplying the message can comprise processing andtransmitting the message in accordance with aspects described herein,such as grouping a plurality of two or more messages and transmittingsame.

While the systems, apparatuses, and methods have been described inconnection with exemplary embodiments and specific illustrations, it isnot intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments setforth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to beillustrative rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anyprotocol, procedure, process, or method set forth herein be construed asrequiring that its acts or steps be performed in a specific order.Accordingly, in the subject specification, where description of aprocess or method does not actually recite an order to be followed byits acts or steps or it is not otherwise specifically recited in theclaims or descriptions of the subject disclosure that the steps are tobe limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order beinferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basisfor interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect toarrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived fromgrammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type ofembodiments described in the specification or annexed drawings, or thelike.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the subject disclosurewithout departing from the scope or spirit of the subject disclosure.Other embodiments of the subject disclosure will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the subject disclosure as disclosed herein. It is intended that thespecification and examples be considered as non-limiting illustrationsonly, with a true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure beingindicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a computingdevice, data indicative of a plurality of assets available forconsumption of content, the plurality of assets comprising at least onecontent asset and at least one management asset; and transmitting, bythe computing device, a first message conveying a command for consuminga content asset of the plurality of assets via an appliance.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the computingdevice, a second message conveying a command for synchronizing a channelpathway for communication among the computing device and the appliance,the channel pathway comprising a downstream frequency carrier in achannel plan, wherein the channel plan is part of the at least onemanagement asset.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein delivering the firstmessage comprises adding a first identifier to the first message, thefirst identifier conveying the first message is a control message. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein delivering the second message comprisesadding a second identifier to the second message, the second identifierconveying the second message is a synchronization message.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first message conveys a request for a datastream associated with content of the content asset, the content assetbeing a linear-programming asset, and wherein the request comprises: amedium access control (MAC) address of the appliance, and at least oneof a virtual channel or a frequency carrier in a channel plan, the atleast one management asset comprising the channel plan.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first message conveys an instruction to control adata stream associated with content of the content asset, the contentasset being a linear-programming asset, and wherein the instruction ispart of the at least one management asset.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the first message conveys an instruction to control a datastream associated with the content asset, the content asset being anon-linear asset, and wherein the instruction is part of the at leastone management asset, the instruction being one of: a first instructionto render the data stream, a second instruction to advance rendering ofthe data stream, a third instruction to rewind rendering of the datastream, a fourth instruction to pause rendering of the data stream, or afifth instruction to terminate rendering of the data stream.
 8. Adevice, comprising: a memory comprising computer-executableinstructions; and a processor functionally coupled to the memory andconfigured, by a first portion of the computer executable instructions,to receive data indicative of a plurality of assets for consumption ofcontent, the plurality of assets comprising at least one of a contentasset and a management asset; and to deliver a first message to anetwork component functionally coupled to an appliance, the firstmessage conveying a command for consuming a content asset of theplurality of assets via the appliance.
 9. The device of claim 8, whereinthe processor is further configured, by a second portion of the computerexecutable instructions, to deliver a second message to the networkcomponent functionally coupled to the appliance, the second messageconveying a command for synchronizing a channel pathway forcommunication among the device and the appliance, the channel pathwaycomprising a downstream frequency carrier in a channel plan, and whereinthe management asset comprises the channel plan.
 10. The device of claim9, wherein the processor is further configured, by a third portion ofthe computer-executable instructions, to compose the first message andthe second message according to a protocol for packet switching.
 11. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured, by athird portion of computer-executable instructions, to assign a firstidentifier to the first message and a second identifier to the secondmessage, the first identifier conveying the first message is a controlmessage and the second identifier conveying the second message is asynchronization message.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein the commandis a request for a data stream associated with content of the contentasset, the content asset being a linear-programming asset, and whereinthe request comprises one or more of: a logical address of theappliance, or at least one of a virtual channel or a frequency carrierin a channel plan, the at least one management asset comprising thechannel plan.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the command is aninstruction to control a data stream associated with content of thecontent asset, the content asset being a non-linear asset, and whereinthe instruction is part of the at least one management asset, theinstruction being one of: a first instruction to render the data stream,a second instruction to advance rendering of the data stream, a thirdinstruction to rewind rendering of the data stream, a fourth instructionto pause rendering of the data stream, or a fifth instruction toterminate rendering of the data stream.
 14. A system, comprising: aninterface component configured to receive at least one first messagedirected to an appliance, each message of the at least one first messageconveying a command for consuming content via the appliance; anassessment component configured to determine a first amount of networkresources available for delivery of a first message of the at least onefirst message; and a generation component configured to supply the firstmessage based at least on the first amount of network resources.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, further comprising a first network node configuredto discover a service group associated with the appliance, and deliverthe first message to the appliance.
 16. The system of claim 14, whereinthe interface component is further configured to receive at least onesecond message directed to the appliance, each second message of the atleast one second message conveying a command for synchronizing a channelpathway for communication among the appliance and a first computingdevice, the channel pathway comprising a downstream frequency carrier ina channel plan.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the assessmentcomponent is further configured to determine a second amount of networkresources for delivery of the at least one second message.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the generation component is furtherconfigured to compose a selected one of the at least one second messagebased on the second amount of network resources.
 19. The system of claim14, wherein the first message conveys a request for a data streamassociated with the content, the request comprising one or more of: atleast one logical address associated with the appliance, or at least oneof a virtual channel or a frequency carrier in a channel plan availablefor delivery of the content.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein thefirst message conveys an instruction to control a data stream associatedwith the content, wherein the instruction is one of : a firstinstruction to render the data stream; a second instruction to advancerendering the data stream, a third instruction to rewind the datastream, a fourth instruction to pause rendering of the data stream, afifth instruction to terminate rendering of the data stream.
 21. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the assessment component is furtherconfigured to assign a first priority to the first message and a secondpriority to the second message, wherein the first priority is based atleast on the first message being a control message and the secondpriority is based at least on the second message being a synchronizationmessage.
 22. The system of claim 21, further comprising a second networknode configured to: transmit first data to the appliance in accordancewith the first message and in a first media format, and transmit seconddata to the second computing device in accordance with the first messageand in a second media format.